Traditional car ownership no longer serves all our needs, and as we change how we move and adapt to an increasingly global and mobile lifestyle, we must also adjust how we use cars. The automotive industry has remained in the past whilst the world has been moving forward; people are progressively less willing to purchase a vehicle due to the upfront cost and fees, the long-term financial commitment, the rapid depreciation of new vehicles, and the relative inflexibility of ownership. The future is car subscription, a hassle-free option for drivers with all the upsides of car ownership and without the high costs and long-term commitment. It also comes with a plethora of added perks. Do you need a small city car for the school run and a larger car to fit luggage and surfboards during the summer holidays? Or maybe you are moving abroad, needing a car during the transition period. Maybe you really want to try out a Jeep Gladiator for a bit. Car subscription makes this flexibility possible, and it comes with zero pitfalls.
"The younger generation's willingness to commit to buying and leasing a car is low and declining. By offering subscribers a service whereby they can schedule convenient drop-offs and collection, transparent pricing and a secure booking and payment system, MOOV By Al-Futtaim provides the youth with a transparent and 100% paperless platform and ensures we are addressing the evolving consumer needs." - Paul Willis, CEO of Al-Futtaim Automotive.
Car subscription works in the same way as your other subscriptions do. You pay a flat monthly fee which grants you access to the vehicle, which can then be used as you please within the terms of your contract. The process is often simple, painlessly effective, and completely transparent: the car is collected or delivered to an address you provide, usually at a small fee charged per mile from the garage or a flat rate, and when you no longer need the vehicle you can terminate the contract, switch to a different model, or upgrade your account to include any optional extras. Your subscription also bundles maintenance, insurance, and other features depending on the chosen package.
Aside from the accessibility, flexibility and affordability that car subscription offers, it also provides the huge benefit of having a dedicated team on hand to support you throughout the car subscription period. Insurance and road tax will often be part of the package deal, there are no large upfront or hidden costs (as when purchasing a car), and any problems with the vehicle will usually be handled entirely by the car subscription service provider. Car subscription is not a repackaging of existing services like car sharing and ride-hailing, which can often be fraught with low availability and high costs. Car subscription offers a valuable and cost-effective substitute for car ownership where your only real responsibility is refuelling or charging the car. It also makes it easier for you to try new models and it especially increases access to EVs - car subscription has the potential to push us into a greener future.
In November 2021, Tomorrow's Journey teamed up with Al-Futtaim Automotive and launched MOOV by Al-Futtaim, which is now the most prominent car subscription business in the UAE. MOOV is Dubai-based conglomerate Al-Futtaim's response to the market demand for flexible car subscription services. They have built up an impressive fleet of cars with supremely customisable subscription options, delivering on their tagline 'Your Car, Your Way'.
MOOV by Al-Futtaim wants to be 'Spontaneous & Flexible' and 'Practical & Reliable'. Their subscription service provides plenty of options like renewal, car exchange, adding drivers, and ending your subscription whenever you need to without any hassle. It is entirely online and without paperwork and you can tailor your car subscription package to suit your make/model, mileage and duration needs. The subscription allows you to choose a term, mileage allowance and a vehicle of your style to be delivered or collected at a convenient time and place. Subscription lengths can range from 1 to 18 months based on the package chosen, and it comes with standard insurance coverage with excess liability of AED 1500. You can also choose to add an optional damage waiver for AED 250.
MOOV by Al-Futtaim stocks 26 different car models and its fleet currently comprise >600 vehicles. There are 13 Toyotas available for all uses. For a more practical car, maybe a Toyota Yaris Hatchback, Toyota Corolla, or a Toyota Camry.
If you need more room, you could choose a Toyota RAV4, Toyota Prado, or a Toyota Highlander.
Jeep fans can currently choose from the Compass, Wrangler, Gladiator, and two Grand Cherokees:
MOOV by Al-Futtaim also stock Polestars, Volvos, Dodge Chargers, and a range of other makes.
Here is a step-by-step guide to signing up for a car subscription with MOOV by Al-Futtaim:
1. Navigate to their showroom by clicking 'View all deals' on the front page or 'Book a Car' in the right-hand corner of the front page
2. Select your make and model and either book a car that is available right away or pre-book a model which will be available later
3. Input your preferred delivery date, monthly kilometre allowance, and subscription duration
4. The next step is to set up an account and complete a Veriff check, a quick and straightforward process for validating your driver's licence and Emirates ID
Please note that you create an account only as you go through the booking process and not before
6. The last step is making the first payment, and then the team at MOOV will be in touch shortly after. The whole process takes no longer than a few minutes
7. When the MOOV team approves your subscription request, your contract will be sent to the email address you provided
8. Lastly, you will be able to set up an account where you can manage your booking and access all subscription features
You will require the following valid documents to sign up for a car subscription:
1. A valid Emirates ID with at least one month's validity from the start of the subscription
2. A UAE driving licence (Category 3, Manual or Automatic)
3. A valid credit card
The subscription includes all costs and any optional extras you may have chosen. Fuel, traffic fines and toll fees are not covered. You can switch to a different car at any point during your contract, with the exchange happening at the end of your first subscription period. No deposit is required—MOOV will charge the monthly subscription fee at the beginning of each month and take a pre-authorisation upon returning the vehicle.
MOOV by Al-Futtaim’s large fleet means that the vehicle model of your choice is almost always available when you need it, but it is not only down to size. The car subscription model ensures that each vehicle has a high utilisation rate with minimal downtime which translates to a dynamic fleet with higher availability and with fewer cars on the road. MOOV is driving car subscription in the UAE—sign up now to take part in the future of automotive.